Brentford’s Igor Thiago earned his first Brazil call-up after a breakout Premier League season, while Neymar was omitted. Betting impact: Thiago’s inclusion strengthens his case for anytime-scorer and forward-appearance markets in Brazil’s friendlies; bettors should be cautious backing Neymar to start or score. Consider markets favoring younger attackers and Endrick’s return for goal/assist bets.
Igor Thiago rewarded with first Brazil call-up as Neymar misses out
Igor Thiago’s stellar Premier League form has been rewarded with a first senior Brazil selection, highlighting a changing attacking dynamic for the Selecao ahead of the 2026 World Cup. The Brentford striker, 24, has 18 goals in 29 league appearances this season and joins a 26-player squad for March friendlies, Brazil’s final camp before next summer’s tournament.
Why Thiago earned the nod
Thiago’s breakthrough season after his move from Club Brugge for an initial €33m in 2024 has pushed him into the national conversation. He had an injury-affected debut campaign in the Premier League but responded this season with consistent scoring, forcing his way into the selectors’ plans despite having no prior Brazil youth caps.
Neymar omitted amid injury concerns
Neymar, 34, who rejoined Santos in January, was not named in the squad. The forward has battled knee problems and only returned to club action this season, making four appearances with two goals and two assists. His omission reduces the likelihood he will start in these friendlies, which should temper betting interest in Neymar-based scoring markets.
Other notable inclusions and absences
Also selected were four first-time senior call-ups: Bournemouth forward Rayan (19), Flamengo defender Leo Pereira (30), Galatasaray midfielder Gabriel Sara (26) and Brentford’s Thiago. Real Madrid forward Endrick, currently on loan at Lyon, returns to the squad for the first time since the coach’s appointment. Midfielder Lucas Paqueta, recently back at Flamengo, was not included.
Friendlies, logistics and World Cup context
Brazil face France on March 26 at Gillette Stadium in Massachusetts and Croatia on April 1 at Camping World Stadium in Orlando. The squad will be based in Orlando for March’s camp. These fixtures represent the final international break before late May and early June friendlies that lead into the World Cup, which begins on June 11. Brazil are drawn in Group C alongside Morocco, Haiti and Scotland.
What this means for betting markets
Thiago’s call-up increases his visibility in anytime-scorer, first-goalscorer and forward line-up markets for Brazil’s upcoming friendlies. Endrick’s return similarly adds value in goal/assist markets. Neymar’s absence from the squad — and ongoing fitness questions — suggest caution on backing him to start or score. Markets that favour emerging attackers and goal involvement from rising Premier League talents may offer better value.
Brazil squad in full
Goalkeepers
Alisson (Liverpool), Bento (Al Nassr), Ederson (Fenerbahce)
Defenders
Alex Sandro (Flamengo), Bremer (Juventus), Danilo (Flamengo), Douglas Santos (Zenit), Gabriel Magalhães (Arsenal), Ibanez (Al-Ahly), Leo Pereira (Flamengo), Marquinhos (PSG), Wesley (Roma)
Midfielders
Andrey Santos (Chelsea), Casemiro (Manchester United), Danilo (Botafogo), Fabinho (Al-Ittihad), Gabriel Sara (Galatasaray)
Forwards
Endrick (Lyon), Gabriel Martinelli (Arsenal), Igor Thiago (Brentford), Luiz Henrique (Zenit), Matheus Cunha (Manchester United), Raphinha (Barcelona), Rayan (Bournemouth), Vinicius Junior (Real Madrid), Joao Pedro (Chelsea)
Bremer: ‘I had many difficult moments, but always dreamed of Brazil call’
Rayan, Leo Pereira and Gabriel Sara have been called up for the first time, while Endrick returns to the squad.
Theathleticuk
